Wreck of SMS Kaiserin - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Birkenhead is one of those wrecks that just stays with you, even if you only ever dive the scatter field. We’ve visited many times, and while the main wreck lies at a depth only technical divers can reach, the debris field itself is fascinating. You’re diving history here, a proper piece of naval tragedy, and knowing the story adds a layer of solemnity. The shallower sections, roughly 20 to 30 meters, are where we find most of the interesting bits – fragments of the ship scattered across the seabed, often encrusted with anemones and sponges. Visibility can be a challenge, sometimes a bit murky, but on a good day, the light filtering down through the green water makes the whole scene feel quite dramatic. We’ve spotted common smoothhounds cruising past and big schools of Salema weaving through the metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the narrative as much as the reef. Come prepared for cooler water and be ready to really search the sand for relics.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.888340, -3.197304
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of SMS Kaiserin

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of SMS Kaiserin

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories